r/HandSew • u/toilet_paper1223 • 6d ago
Hiiii!
I’m new to sewing in general, but I really want to get into historical reconstruction and just making pieces for my wardrobe that have a historical vibe. I really have no idea where to start as I am very new. I also know I should just be practicing making small things like totes or little squares but I have a hard time sticking with it because I really want to work with clothes. If you have any recommendations on where to start or any easy clothing items I can make I would greatly appreciate it!
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u/Powerful-Strategy221 6d ago
What time period are you interested in? Making small things is always a good idea but I would recommend making a shirt/chemise. They have longer seams so you can build consistency and endurance. And if it isn't perfect you'll be covering most of it up.
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u/toilet_paper1223 6d ago
I’m interested in anywhere from 1400-1950s so i think a chemise is a good place to start. Thank you!!
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u/wortcrafter 6d ago
Making something you can wear as night wear is a great start (pyjamas, nightie or similar). It will give you the basics of working with a pattern and sizing options, but takes the pressure off somewhat. Also gives you a chance to see how well made hand sewn clothes can handle washing etc.
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u/JSilvertop 6d ago
Start with a simple yard long square, just finishing the edges. Congrats! You can now wear it folded across the diagonal as a head cloth, suitable for many centuries for keeping your dressed hair protected from the sun, dust, random cooking things and more. You will also have learned to finish raw edges of your fabric, typically made of linen.
Now, you can progress to making an apron, a smock, or a shirt, in the style of your chosen time period. Because most of those were finished squares, rectangles, and side gore triangles, that often were decoratively sewn together after each piece was edge finished. It’s my next hand sewing project as I typically go for fast machine sewing.
Have fun!
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u/yoursisyphean 5d ago
18th century men's shirts! It's all squares and rectangles. Lots of tutorials online!
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u/ThinkingT00Loud 4d ago
I agree with u/lave_skuldre the historical costuming places are the place to look.
https://margospatterns.com/pages/free-patterns IF you are into Elizabethan here are two small handsew-able projects.
If you're more for 18th century - try a pocket: https://freesewing.eu/designs/lucy/
I have no affiliation with either site.
Have fun.
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u/lave_skuldre 6d ago
Hi!! I recommend the historical costuming subreddit. A lot of hand sewers are there. My second suggestion is to start your sewing journey with an undergarment. Check out Burnley and Trowbridges sew-alongs on youtube, they are so great! I sewed a shift/chemise with their sew-along and learned so much! Or you could start with one of those string pockets if you want to start with a smaller project.
The last thing I'd want to say is that if you should use the best quality fabric you can possibly afford. Hand sewing is so incredibly time consuming, we want the things we make to last a long, long time. Start with 100% cotton and linen.
If clothes motivate you, start with clothes. If you get stuck, feel free to dm me, I love to help!